Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show will resume its regular programming on Tuesday, nearly a week after it was suspended due to controversy over comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. However, some households may still not see the show as Sinclair, which operates over 35 ABC affiliates across the US, announced that they would replace Kimmel with news programming.
Disney had initially suspended production of the show and said it was a decision made because some comments were “ill-timed” and insensitive. After discussions with Kimmel, Disney decided to return the show on Tuesday.
The FCC’s regulatory action and concerns about censorship sparked national attention, but Chair Brendan Carr denied threatening to revoke ABC affiliates’ broadcast licenses unless they fired Kimmel. The company behind the show, Disney, received criticism from some unions, liberal lawmakers, and Hollywood figures who defended free speech.
Many celebrities signed an open letter condemning Disney’s move, calling it a “dark moment for freedom of speech.” However, some conservatives cheered the FCC’s stance and President Trump joked that Kimmel was fired due to bad ratings. Republican officials Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Rand Paul raised concerns about Carr’s public comments, but also acknowledged that despicable comments don’t equal job loss.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/jimmy-kimmel-abc-return-tuesday-rcna232335